1. Blocks
By: Lia Farantos, Jesse Jones, Kristina Martinez

2. What is a Block?
A block can come in many different shapes,
forms, and types.
The most common blocks are the unit blocks,
foam blocks, cardboard blocks, and much
more!

3. History of Blocks

4. Setting up the Block
Area
Lots of space!
Clearly defined borders of the “block area”
Good Organization.
Lots of Blocks!
Variety of constructive materials
Age appropriate block types.

5. Setting Up Continued...
Include props to further creativity.
Props can include anything from toy
figurines, to signs.
Consider the location.
Consider noise level, carpeting, traffic levels.

6. The Teachers Role
Recognize the potential of
blocks as a teaching tool.
Provide plenty of time for
block play.
Encourage learning through
block play.

7. Assessing Block Play
Single best tool is a photograph.
Videos
Anecdotal observations

8. Stages of Block Play
Stage 1 (2-3 years)
Carrying blocks
Children learn about
block properties
Muscle development
and coordination

9. Stages of Block Play
Stage 2 (3 years old)
Piling and road making.
First structures appear.
Experimentation and
problem solving.
Encourages cooperative
play.

10. Stages of Block Play
Stage 3 (3-4 years)
Creating structures.
Advanced construction.
Bridges.
Enclosures.
Physics, Dramatic Play,
coordination, Motor Skills,

11. Stages of Block Play
Stage 4 (4-5+ years)
Elaborate constructions.
Creativity/ Artistic skills.
Dramatic Play.
Requires a large variety of
blocks and props.
Building begin to resemble
intentions.

12. Observation
Observe each individual child,
recognize what stage they are
in.
Learn how they interact and
manipulate the blocks.
Understand their interests.

13. Getting Involved
Offer new materials.
Encourage children to invite others.
Ask questions.
Make suggestions.
Incorporate the different dimensions of
learning whenever possible.

14. Communicating With
Children
Ask open-ended questions.
Avoid “good job” type statements, instead
point out specific accomplishments.
Point out design strengths and improvements.
Focus on the process not just the results.
Have them demonstrate how they’ve done
things.

15. Encouragement
Encourage children to challenge themselves.
Offer suggestions and your support.
Provide inspiration.
Add materials.
Modeling. (Building alongside them)
Don’t intimidate them with complex
structures.

16. How Do Blocks Promote
Learning & Development?
Blocks cover many, if not all, areas of
development.
Including fine gross motor skills...
Cause and effect...
Even muscular development!

17. Mathematics
Promotes counting.
Measurements
Geometry
Addition and Subtraction.
Physics
Shapes
Order

18. Science
Gravity
Balance and Stability
Cause and effect

19. Literacy
Unit blocks with ABC’s on each block.
Reading accessories (i.e. stop signs, etc.)
“Creating” their creation

20. Physical development
Engages large and small muscles.
Hand-eye coordination.
Controlled hand and finger movements.

21. Social & Emotional
Building relationships with the other children
Learning how to build together
Cooperation
Role play
Confidence

22. What about the
Parents?
“When I’m playing in the block room, Please
don’t say I’m ‘Just Playing.‘ For, you see , I’m
learning as I play; about balance and
shapes. Who knows, I may be an architect
someday.”

23. Research